These are the Types of Biopharmaceutical Plants Widely Produced in Indonesia in 2024

Biopharmaceutical plants are plants beneficial for medicine, cosmetics, and health. These plants have leaves, stems, fruits, tubers or rhizomes, and roots that can be consumed.

According to a report by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), ginger is the most produced biopharmaceutical plant in Indonesia. Its production volume reached 188.32 million kilograms (kg) throughout 2024.

The next most produced biopharmaceutical plants are turmeric at 176.11 million kg, followed by cardamom at 127.82 million kg, galangal at 75.24 million kg, and lime at 59.06 million kg.

Indonesia also produces a large amount of lemongrass, kencur (kaempferia galanga), temulawak (curcuma xanthorrhiza), temuireng (curcuma aeruginosa), temukunci (curcuma zedoaria), aloe vera, mahkota dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa), and others, with volumes as shown in the attached graph.

In addition, the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) notes that Indonesia has around 17,200 identified plant species. However, only 21 have been recognized as fitofarmaka or scientifically standardized traditional medicines.

Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar assesses that although Indonesia has enormous potential in medicinal plants, the local pharmaceutical industry has not seriously developed them.

"Meanwhile, the global lifestyle trend shifting back towards nature opens opportunities for herbal-based medicines, including for the treatment of various diseases," said Ikrar in the *Intensification of Regulatory Assistance for Drugs* event, witnessed online on Tuesday (25/2/2025).